This Pew Internet and American Life report says “Internet users ages 12-28 are more likely to IM,play online games,and create blogs.Internet users over age 28 (but younger than 70) are more likely to make travel reservations and bank online.All age cohorts of internet users (ages 12 and older) are equally likely to use email;about 90% of all internet users send or receive email.Given the many other variations in internet use among different age groups,it is notable that this basic communications tool is almost universally used.Even teens,many of whom disparage email as something for ‘old people,’and tend to prefer instant messaging,have not completely abandoned it.Email is the most popular online activity,especially for internet users age 65 or older”.Further,”teens and generation Y(age 18-28) are significantly more likely than older users to send and receive instant messages,play online games,create blogs,download music,and search for school information.An always-on,high-speed connection at home enables some of these activities for young internet users,but broadband access is not the whole story.Internet users in their 30s are about as likely as users in their 20s to have broadband at home and yet do not match the younger users in their enthusiasm for games and IM”.

Reports:Demographics